Fluorescent-Style Lightbubs that go into Regular Lamps

The fluorescent-type bulb, once only seen in commercial applications, has gained in residential popularity due to its low operating cost and the natural illumination now available with modern bulbs. Traditional fluorescent bulbs are straight 24- or 48-inch long tubes.

Now circular, U-shaped, short, thin and any number of configurations are available, including ones to replace standard incandescent bulbs in many household lamps. Colors range from cool blues, to full spectrum white, to warm tones.

Fluorescents spread light evenly and are more energy efficient, providing up to five times the light of an equivalent wattage incandescent. They do not produce much heat, last a long time (10,000 to 20,000 hours), and are about four times more economical to run than incandescent lamps.

All fluorescent bulbs or tubes operate in a similar manner. Two filaments, a small transformer, a ballast, a starter (if needed), and gas sealed in the bulb, combine to do the trick. Current which flows between the filaments, releases electricity to send an arc of ultraviolet light through the gas-field bulb. This light becomes visible as it filters through the phosphorous coating on the bulb. The ballast then acts as a step-down transformer to control the electric current.